Sunday, October 30, 2016

A monument honoring the Union soldier is located in Roger Williams Park in the traffic circle junction of Hawthorn Ave., Fredrick C. Green Memorial Blvd., and Natural History Ave.

Long Description:

A 7' high bronze statue depicts a Union soldier in full uniform. The solder is apparently moving forward with his left foot in front of his left. He is a wearing cap and a jacket with a crossed belts across his chest. He is holding a rifle, at a 30 degree angle by the muzzle end, in his right hand. His left hand is clenched by his side.

The statue was created to memorialize the soldiers of the Union Army by Frederick Kohlhagen and cast at the Gorham Manufacturing Company. It is the same figure, called Skirmishers, that is used on the 10th Pennsylvania Reserves, 39th Infantry Regiment Monument on Warren and Sykes Avenues in Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

A bronze plaque on the 5' high boulder which is the base for the statue is inscribed:

Saturday, October 29, 2016

A statue of Indian spiritual leader, musician, poet, and peace activist Sri Chinmoy is located in Roger Williams Park between the south end of Elm Lake and Fredrick C. Green Memorial Blvd. in Providence, RI.

Long Description:

A life size bronze statue of Sri Chinmoy stands near the south shore of Elm Lake in Roger Williams Park. Chinmoy is wearing traditional Indian clothing of a tunic and sarong. He is holding the World Harmony Run Peace Torch in front of his chest with both hands. The statue was created by British sculptor Kaivalya Torpy and installed on April 8, 2011.

The bronze plinth is embedded in a on a 2' high by 3' square boulder. A bronze plaque in the boulder is inscribed:

Sri Chinmoy (1931 -2007)

Dreamer of Peace

Founder of the

World Harmony Run

18 April 2011

Chinmoy Kumar Ghose, better known as Sri Chinmoy, was born in British India, now Bangladesh, on August 27, 1931. He was an accomplished author, artist, poet, musician and spiritual leader. He moved to New York City in 1964 and established meditation centers, eventually attracting over 7,000 students in 60 countries.

Chinmoy became an skilled musician and composer with the flute and in 1984 began performing free peace concerts which were attended by many thousands of people around the world. He has created music with many instruments including: a variety of flutes, the Indian esraj, cello, harmonium, piano and pipe organ. Over his lifetime he has recorded over 17,000 songs. Currently his music is available for free streaming on the Radio Sir Chinmoy website as well as on Spotify, iHeart Radio, You Tube, and several other music sites.

Compact Disc Discography for Sri Chinmoy

Songs Of Eternity - 1972

My Pilot Supreme - 1972

My Flute : The Poetry and Teachings and Philosophy of Sri Chinmoy ?1972

Chinmoy has written over 120,000 poems, mostly short but complete spiritual poem or verse. He has also published several volume of longer, poems in the more classical style. Volumes include: Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees, Twenty-Seven Thousand Aspiration-Plants, Ten Thousand Flower-Flames, The Dance of Life, Wings of Light and My Christmas-New Year-Vacation-Aspiration-Prayers.

Chinmoy has recited his poetry at the United Nations as part of a UN sponsored event of promoting Dialogue Among Civilizations Through Poetry. Three of Chinmoy's poems on the theme of hope were recited by at a ceremony to mark the 9th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.

Friday, October 28, 2016

The Pancratiast, a.k.a. The Boxer at Rest, is located in Roger Williams Park at the northern junction of Maple Ave. and Pine Hill Ave. in Providence, RI.

Long Description:

The Pancratiast is a bronze copy of the sculpture discovered on the Quirinal Hill of Rome in 1885 near the ancient Baths of Constantine. It is part of the collection of the Terme Museum in Rome.

A 4.5' by 2' by 3.25' bronze sculpture of a seated Pancratiast displayed on a 6' by 3.25' by 5' pink granite base. A Pancratiast is the champion of a martial arts contest involving a combination boxing and wrestling. The bearded, nude, male figure is seated on a large rock while looking up and over his right shoulder. He is wearing protective gear that covers his hands to his mid-forearms.

The original sculpture was created by an unknown Italian artist. This copy of the sculpture was a gift to the City of Providence from Paul Bajnotti and was dedicated on September 25, 1900.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

The Falconer is located in Roger Williams Park in the center of the traffic circle at the junction of Fredrick C. Green Memorial Blvd and Cladrastis Ave.

Long Description:

The Falconer is a 10' by 7' by 2' bronze sculpture of a partially nude male figure, wearing a loin cloth, is holding a falcon in his left hand above his head. The falcon's wings are fully outspread and the falconer and the falcon are facing each other. The figures stands on a 5' diameter by 10' high three-tiered granite base.

The sculpture was created by Henry Hudson Kitson and installed several locations in Roger Williams Park in 1889 before being placed in its current location. The base is inscribed in raised letters:

ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF ELISHA DYER BY HIS GRANDSON DANIEL WANTON LYMAN

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

The Fighting Gladiator is located in Roger Williams Park on Natural History Avenue in Providence, RI.

Long Description:

A 5' by 4' by 5' bronze figure of a nude male stands on a 9' by 7' by 5.75" stone base. The man is leaning forward with his right leg forward and his left leg back. His left arm, which has a guard on the forearm, is held over his head in a blocking position. His right arm is behind his back and he is holding a fighting aid, a 6" cylinder, in his right hand.

The sculpture is a copy of a sculpture created by Agasias of Ephesus and is example of Hellenistic Art from the 3rd to 1st centuries BCE. It was sculpted by George Wilkinson of the Gorham Manufacturing Company in 1891 and erected in Roger William Park in 1894.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

The Lions Memorial, in memory of the Lions Club members of Rhode Island, is located in Roger Williams Park at the junction of Pine Hill and Maple Avenues in Providence, RI.

Long Description:
A 2' high by 2' wide by 6.25' long Westerly granite statue of a lion stands on a 4' by 2' by 6.75' granite base. The male lion is depicted in a stalking position, crouching down with all four feet on the ground. His front right foot is forward and his rear hind leg is set back. The granite plinth is higher in front and curves downward so that the head of the lion appears raised. The sculpture is surrounded by a low iron fence. The monument was created by the Bonner Monument Company.

On the front of the base is the emblem of Lions International and the inscription:

IN MEMORIAM

RHODE ISLAND

LIONS

The monument was erected by the Lions of the 42nd District of Rhode Island on September 11, 1960.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

A monument honoring Abraham Lincoln is located in Roger Williams Park at the junction of Fredrick C. Green Memorial Blvd. and Natural History Ave. in Providence, RI.

Long Description:

A 12' by 4' by 4' bronze statue of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, stands on a 6.75' by 4' square granite base. A slender Lincoln is standing upright and wearing a knee length coat, vest and a bow tie. His arms are by his sides and he is holding a sheet of paper in his right hand.

The statue was a gift to the City of Providence from Henry W. Harvey in memory of his wife Georgiana. It was sculpted by Gilbert Alfred Franklin and erected in Roger Williams Park in 1958. The front of the base is inscribed:

ERECTED UNDER THE WILL OF

HENRY W. HARVEY

AS A MEMORIAL TO HIS WIFE

GEORGIANA

TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY OF

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

AND TO INCULCATE LOYALTY AND

PATRIOTISM IN THE MINDS

OF ALL THOSE WHO COME HERE

FOR REST AND RECREATION

1958

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in Hodgenville, Kentucky. He was self-educated, and after a series of unsuccessful ventures he became a lawyer, practicing in Illinois. In 1842, he married Mary Todd, with whom he had four children.

In 1846, Lincoln was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served one two-year term before returning to practice law Lincoln in Springfield, IL. In 1858, he failed in his bid for the United States Senate to Stephen Douglas. He joined the the newly formed anti-slavery Republican Party and won the 1860 election for president of the United States.

His election victory precipitated the Civil War over which he presided, as Commander-in-Chief from 1861 to 1865. Soon after the Union victory he was assassinated by southern sympathizer, John Wilkes Booth. De died on April 15, 1865 in Washington, D.C.

Friday, October 21, 2016

The unlabeled statue located in Roger Williams Park, of the man, standing on a low platform, wearing the band uniform, and playing a coronet is Bowen L. Church.

Long Description:

The bronze statue of Bowen L. Church, also known as the Bandmaster, is located near the north end of Roosevelt Pond in Roger Williams Park in Providence. A 7.5' by 33" by 30" bronze statue of the bandleader is standing on 2.5' diameter circular base which rests on a wedge shaped, taupe and white tiled, platform supported by a low rock wall. The sculpture was created by Aristide Berto Cianfarani and cast at the Gorham Manufacturing Company foundry. The sculpture was funded by William G. James, a friend of Bowen Church, and dedicated in Roger Williams Park on August 26, 1928.

Bowen L. Church is wearing a band uniform consisting of an ornate jacket and trousers. The jacket decorated vertically across the chest and with trim around the lower edges. The trousers have a broad strip running down the outside of the leg. The musician is standing upright, with his left foot in front of his right, while playing a coronet with his right hand on the keys.

Bowen L. Church was born in East Greenwich, RI on September 3, 1860. He began to study coronet under D. W. Reeves, director of the American Band of Providence, when he was nine years old. He gave his first recital when he was eleven and when he was eighteen, he became a featured soloist with the band.

In 1892, Bowen assumed leadership of the American Band of Providence during Reeves’ absence. In 1912, Bowen moved to Jersey City to direct the orchestra of the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. He was considered one of the best cornetists in the 19th century. He died in Jersey City, NJ on March 13, 1923.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

The equestrian statue of Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski is located in Roger Williams Park in Providence, RI

Long Description:

An heroic 14' by 5.5' by 13' bronze equestrian statue of Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski stands on an 8' by 9' by 15' granite base. The monument occupies a prominent and busy intersection at Roger Williams Park. The statue was created by Guido Nincheri, sculptor and cast at the Fondaria Artistica Veronese Foundry.

General Pulaski is riding a charging horse. He holds the reins in his left hand and hold a curved sword up at a 45 degree angle with his right hand. He is wearing a military uniform with epaulets and riding boots but is not wearing a hat. The horse is in a galloping on an incline with its head down, tail slightly up, and left front foot off the ground.

On the front of the base is the single word:

PULASKI

A plaque on the left side of the base, which was added later, is inscribed:

BRIGADIER GENERAL CASIMIR PULASKI

SOLDIER OF LIBERTY

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERO

1747-1779

THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY THE BRIDIGIER GENERAL CASMIR PULASKI BI-

CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL COMMITTEE OF RHODE ISLAND IN MEMORY OF CASMIR

PULASKI. A REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERO OF TWO CONTINENTS.

HE DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF IN THE BATTLES OF:

BRANDYWINE; GERMANTOWN; VALLEY FORGE;

EGG HARBOR; WARREN TAVERN; WHITEMARSH

HADDONFIELD; CHARLESTOWN; AND SAVANNAH

BRIDIGIER GENERAL UNITED STATES

FATHER OF THE AMERICAN CALVARY

MARSHAL GENERAL OF POLAND

WHILE LEADING HIS FAMOUS "PULASKI" LEGION ON A CHARGE THROUGH THE

BRITISH LINES IN THE BATTLE OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, HE WAS MORTALLY

WOUNDED ON THE 9TH DAY OF OCTOBER 1779 AND DIED TWO DAYS LA-

TER AT THE AGE OF THIRTY-TWO.

CASMIR PULASKI DIED AS HE LIVED, A MARTYR TO THE CAUSE OF

AMERICAN FREEDOM, AND HE HAS BECOME A SYMBOL OF UNDAUNTED

COURAGE AND SPIRIT TO LOVERS OF FREEDOM EVERYWHERE.

Casimir Pulaski was born into a noble family on March 6, 1745 in Warsaw, Poland. After opposing the Russians in Europe he came to the American Colonies to join the Continental Army under the command of George Washington. As a Brigadier General, he organized a corps of lancers and light infantry that became known as the Pulaski Cavalry Legion, hence he is called the father of the American cavalry. He died of woulds sustained during the siege of Savannah on October 11, 1779. He is one of only seven persons to be awarded honorary United States citizenship.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

A statue of Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, is located in Roger Williams Park in Providence, Rhode Island.

Long Description:

A monument to the founder of the state of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations is located in Roger Williams Park. A 7.5' high bronze statue of Roger Williams, created by Franklin Simmons and cast at Royal Foundry, stands on a 16' high base. Roger Williams is wearing colonial clothing and has shoulder length hair. In his left hand he is holding a book. Inscribed on the book are the words "Soul Liberty". His right hand is extended outward.

At the front of the base is the female figure of Clio, the muse of History. Clio is wearing a draped robe and sandals. Her right arm is extended, and appears to be in the act of completing the inscription: Roger Williams 1636

Roger Williams was born in London, England, probably in 1603. Originally a member of the Church of England, he became a Puritan and thereby gave up any chance for a position in the Anglican Church. He graduated from Cambridge University, married Mary Barnard in 1629, and, together, they emigrated to Boston in 1631.

He soon found himself in disagreement with the prevailing Puritan philosophy regarding religious freedom and the relationship between church and state. He believed that the Church of England was corrupt beyond redemption, espoused freedom of choice in the practice of religion, and espoused complete separation of church and state. In 1635 he was ordered to appear before the General Court of Massachusetts to explain his erroneous and dangerous opinions. As a result, the Court declared that he should be removed from his church position. Later that same year he was tried and convicted of sedition and heresy.

In 1636, Roger Williams and a number of his followers attempted to leave Massachusetts by settling near Plymouth; but they were told that they were still in Massachusetts and that they must move west beyond the Seekonk River, which was beyond the Massachusetts Bay charter. They went to Narragansett territory where they purchased land from the native Narragansetts. Roger Williams named the settlement "Providence" because he felt that God's Providence had brought him there. He declared it to be a haven for those distressed of conscience and soon many other like-minded dissenters took up settlement.

In 1647, the four towns around Narragansett Bay - Newport and Portsmouth located on the island of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations of Providence and Warwick on the mainland, united to form a single government under the principle of liberty of conscience. The colony became a safe haven for people persecuted for their beliefs including: Baptists, Quakers, and Jews. In 1654, Roger Williams was elected the President of the colony.

Roger Williams died on April 1, 1683. What was believed to be his remains were located in 1860 and placed in a mausoleum in the North Burial Ground. Before the 300th anniversary of the founding of Providence in 1936, the remains were retrieved from the mausoleum and placed in an urn kept by the Rhode Island Historical Society. They were placed in a monument erected in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration at Prospect Terrace Park in Providence.

This statue is the subject of the United States stamp issued in 1936 to commemorate the 300th Anniversary of the founding of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

A statue of native son, lyricist, composer, producer, and actor, George M. Cohan is located on the corner of Wickenden and Governor Streets in the Fox Point neighborhood near where he was born in Providence, RI.

Long Description:

A life size bronze statue of depicts George M. Cohan from the waist up. Mr. Cohan is wearing a jacket with a flower in its left lapel, a vest, a high collar shirt, and a bow tie. His head tilted towards his left shoulder as he is holding his hat in his right hand above his right shoulder. His left arm is extended forward with his hand open, palm up. The statue rests on a 4' high square granite base. The statue was created by Robert Shure at the Skylight Studios and dedicated on July 3, 2009.

The bronze plinth of the sculpture is inscribed GEORGE M. COHAN. A bronze plaque on the front of the base is inscribed:

Son of Providence

Born July 3, 1878 on Wickenden Street

Father of the American Musical Comedy

Engraved on the base is fox point, WICKENDEN ST. GOVERNOR ST.

George Michael Cohan, the grandson of Irish immigrants, was born in Providence, RI into a vaudeville family on July 3, 1878. Together with his sister, Josephine, and parents, Jeremiah and Helen Costigan Cohan, they performed under the name the Four Cohans. In 1904, he began his career as a lyricist, composer, producer, and actor in Broadway musicals. He wrote and published numerous songs during his career and is considered the father of the American musical comedy. George M. Cohan died in New York City on November 5, 1942. He was inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.

Song list from the Songwriters Hall of Fame website:

BIG PARADE, THE BILLIE BLUE SKIES, GRAY SKIES BORN AND BRED IN BROOKLYN CHARMING COHAN’S SONGS OF YESTERYEAR DANCING MY WORRIES AWAY DARN GOOD CRY EASTER SUNDAY PARADE EPILOGUE FATHER OF THE LAND WE LOVE FOR THE FLAG, FOR THE HOME FORTY FIVE MINUTES FROM BROADWAY GEORGE WASHINGTON, JR. GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY GOD IS GOOD TO THE IRISH GOODBYE BARGRAVIA GREAT NEW YORK POLICE HARRIGAN HERE COME THE SOLDIERS HINKY DEE, THE I GUESS I’LL HAVE TO TELEGRAPH MY BABY I LOVE YOU I WAS BORN IN VIRGINIA I’D RATHER WRITE A SONG I’M A ONE GIRL MAN My Town IN A KINGDOM OF OUR OWN INDIANS AND TREES JOHNNY Q. PUBLIC LIFE’S A FUNNY PROPOSITION AFTER ALL LITTLE NELLIE KELLY LOVE DREAMS MARCH OF THE CARDINALS MARY’S A GRAND OLD NAME MOLLY MALONE MUSICAL COMEDY MAN MY LITTLE GIRL NAME OF KELLY, THE NELLIE KELLY OVER THERE REVOLUTIONARY RAG RING TO THE NAME OF ROSE, A ROSE SHOES THAT HURT SO LONG, MARY THIS IS OUR SIDE OF THE OCEAN THOMAS EDISON, MIRACLE MAN THOSE LOVELY LOVE SONGS TO HEAVEN ON THE BRONX EXPRESSWAY TWENTIETH CENTURY LOVE TWO OF US, THE UNTIL MY LUCK COMES ROLLING VENUS, MY SHINING LOVE VOICE IN MY HEART WHAT A MAN WHAT THIS COUNTRY NEEDS WHEN JUNE COMES ALONG WITH A SONG WHEN NEW YORK WAS NEW YORK WHEN YOU COME BACK, IF YOU EVER DO WHERE WERE YOU, WHERE WAS I? YANKEE DOODLE BOY, THE YOU CAN’T DENY YOU’RE IRISH YOU REMIND ME OF MY MOTHER YOU WON’T DO ANY GOOD YOU’RE A GRAND OLD FLAG

Friday, October 7, 2016

A statue of the Cat in the Hat is located outside the soon to be opened The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss museum at the Quadrangle Museum Complex at 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA

Long Description:

The Springfield Museums at will open a new museum called The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss in 2017. In preparation for the opening a 7' high fiberglass statue of the popular The Cat In The Hat has been erected outside the entrance to the museum building to greet visitors. The Cat In The Hat is standing upright with his harm outstretched and his long tail curled behind him. He is wearing is usual outfit of a red and white-striped hat and a large red bow tie.

The statue is placed underneath a large Seussian style blue arch that is inscribed at the top in red letters the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss. The statue and the arch are a gift from Big Y Supermarkets.

The mischievous Cat In The Hat is one of Theodor Geisel's most beloved characters. Writing under the name Dr. Seuss, the Cat In The Hat made its first appearance in the eponymous book published on March 12, 1957. This book was soon followed by The Cat In The Hat Comes Back which was published on January 1, 1985. A TV special was created featuring the Cat In The Hat that was broadcast by CBS on March 10, 1971. Most recently a feature film was released in 2003.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

The Partisans sculpture is located at the elevated level of the Silver Line MBTA station next to the World Trade Center in South Boston.

Long Description:

The Partisans is a 23.3' by 13.3' by 32.5' aluminum sculpture depicting five soldiers on horseback, each carrying spears on their back. The sculpture is dedicated to Polish underground fighters who fought the against both the German and Soviet Union forces during World War II and the subsequent Communist government of Poland. It was originally placed on the Boston Common in 1983 and in 2006 moved to its current location, because of structural concerns.

According to the creator Andrzej Pitynski they represent:

"Five armed riders in a marching formation; five desperate men who resemble forest ghosts more than they resemble human beings ... five partisans who are tattered, mortally tired, who are bleeding from endless battles, escapes, skirmishes ... immersed with their own thoughts about the tragedy of their nation, who are riding their horses, stumbling from exhaustion."

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

The sculpture called Hermit Crab is located along the Boston waterfront at Eastport Park off Seaport Boulevard in Boston, MA

Long Description:

A 6' high by 7' long bronze sculpture depicts a hermit crab making a home inside a conch shell. The sculpture is set on a five sided stone base set at ground level. You must look under the shell and near the ground to see the hermit crab. The side of the shell is inscribed:

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

A statue of one of the fathers of the American Revolution, Samuel Adams, is located at the entrance to the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum at 306 Congress Street, Boston, MA.

Long Description:

A 6.5' high bronze statue of American patriot Samuel Adams stands on a circular bronze plinth set at ground level. Adams is wearing period colonial clothing with a knee length coat, knee high boots, a waistcoat, and an ascot. He is standing with is right hand pointing straight up with his index finger pointing to the sky. He holds a scroll in his left hand which is by his side. The sculpture was created by Susie Chisholm in 2013 and unveiled on December 16, 2013 on the 240th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.

The circular plinth is inscribed:

SAMUEL ADAMS

1722 - 1803

FATHER OF THE REVOLUTION

SCULPTOR

SUSIE CHISHOLM, NSS

Samuel Adams was born in Boston on September 16, 1722. He attended Harvard College and then worked in his family's malting business, malt being the necessary ingredient for making beer. Ever interested in politics, in 1848 Samuel Adams published The Independent Advertiser, a weekly newspaper that printed political essays espousing separation from Britain. Adams was a leading figure that led up to the Boston Tea Party of December 16, 1773. A response of to the passing by the British Parliament of the Tea Act, which ironically actually lowered the cost of tea in the colonies. The protest was over the right of Britain to tax and otherwise interfere with the affairs of the colonists. The Boston tea party was a major event leading up to the American Revolution (1775-1783).

After the Revolutionary War, Adams served as the President of the Massachusetts Senate (1782–1785 and 1787–1788), 3rd Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts (1789 – 1794) under Governor John Hancock, and the 4th Governor of Massachusetts from October 8, 1794 to June 2, 1797.

Monday, October 3, 2016

The Hood Milk Bottle Building is located in front of the Boston Children's Museum at 300 Congress Street, Boston, MA.

Long Description:

The bottle building was built in 1934 by Arthur Gagner. It was originally used to sell his homemade ice cream on Route 44 in Taunton, MA. It was subsequently abandoned until it was purchased and renovated by the HP Hood dairy company and donated to the Boston Children’s Museum in 1977.

The bottle is 40 feet tall and weighs 15,000 pounds. It would require about 58,620 gallons of milk to fill the bottle. At the base of the bottle is an ice cream stand and snack bar. Tables and chairs are placed along the surrounding patio to accommodate the needs of visitors.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

"Points of View" is located in front of the Waterloo House at 100 Pitt's Bay Road in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Long Description:

Local Bermuda artist, Will Collieson, created the abstract sculpture he calls "Points of View." It is located in the forecourt of the Waterloo House on the waterfront in Hamilton, Bermuda. The 26-foot tall sculpture has a nautical theme with three tiers of sail-like shapes, decreasing in size, and stacked vertically on spars rising up a central mast. Special molds were used to form the fiberglass spars and sails. The sculpture is set in a circular, concrete, ground level basin filled with water. It was built to resistant hurricane force winds.

About Me

My interest in travel and exploration took me to all 50 states, much of Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, as well as some of Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico. As I got older my outdoor activities shifted from hiking to orienteering to geocaching to waymarking.